Interleukin-21 is associated with IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies to erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 peptide 4 of Plasmodium falciparum in Gabonese children with acute falciparum malaria.

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a newly described, typical, four-helix cytokine showing significant homology with IL-2, IL-4 and IL-15. It regulates IgG1 production and co-operates with IL-4 in the production of multiple antibody classes in vivo. IgG1 and IgG3 are critically involved in the development of clinical immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the mechanisms driving class-switch recombination towards these specific isotypes remain to be elucidated. Seventy-three children with P. falciparum-positive, thick blood smears were recruited from the pediatric wards of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital and the General Hospital in Lambaréné. Children were grouped into two categories according to age: group A (1 to 5 years old) and group B (6 to 16 years old). Patients with severe (severe anemia and/or hyperparasitemia) and mild malaria were enrolled. Prevalence and level of IL-21, total IgG and subclass (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) titers were determined in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma IL-21 levels correlated with IgG1 and IgG3 levels. Additionally, plasma IL-21 levels correlated with hemoglobin levels in younger children and with parasite density. Here we describe the relationship between IL-21 and antibodies for erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 (EBA-175) peptide 4, a malaria vaccine candidate in Gabonese children with acute falciparum malaria. This study provides new insights into the field of malaria.

• Authors: Ludovic Mewono, Davy W Matondo Maya, Pierre-Blaise Matsiegui, Selidji T Agnandji, Eric Kendjo, Fortune Barondi, Saadou Issifou, Peter G Kremsner, Elie Mavoungou
• Journal: European cytokine network (Eur Cytokine Netw) Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 30-6 (Mar 2008) ISSN: 1952-4005 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 18299268 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Protozoan
• Immunoglobulin G
• Interleukins
• Protozoan Proteins
• erythrocyte-binding antigen 175, Plasmodium
• interleukin-21

Topics

• Adolescent
• Animals
• Antigens, Protozoan (chemistry)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Gabon
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (chemistry)
• Infant
• Interleukins (biosynthesis, physiology)
• Malaria, Falciparum (blood, immunology, parasitology)
• Plasmodium falciparum (metabolism)
• Protozoan Proteins (chemistry)